Nougat 1

Greetings dear ones

I am wroth! After nearly eight hours of hearing the news, I am still in shock and ultra-annoyed, (I would even say angry) about yesterday’s cold-blooded murder in the church during worship. Yes, it may have happened before in Jamaica (or so say others), and yes, NINE were murdered in similar manner in the USA; but that doesn’t make it right or acceptable.

And no, this is NOT about worshiping a building. Rather it points to the degree of depravity to which some have sunk in the world; having no apparent concern or remorse for committing murder in places of worship.

Perhaps we might say this is a sign of the times. For it seems that we who cannot blow breath are intent on being used to snuff the last breath of others. And, there’s no remorse, no desire to even pretend anonymity.

I grieve with Mrs Lowe-Garwood’s family and friends who are reeling from this double tragedy, as it seems her husband also died last year. May God’s Grace surround them at this time. I grieve with the NCB staff who will now be coping with the void her death creates.

I grieve and repent alongside the members of the church where the shooting took place. I pray that trauma counseling is offered as those who were gathered try to make sense of what happened during the praise time. For the pastoral team, who are searching for the pieces, wondering Why it happened in that church; What they did or didn’t do; and trying to figure How to go forward; I am praying.

And for all of us who try to figure out how we respond to situations like these that seems to suggest God is powerless; to those of us who are wondering Why God permitted such; or Where God was; or are trying to figure out What to say to those who feel emboldened to publicly deride God; today’s Holy Nougat may offer some insight

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap.” Galatians‬ ‭6:7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

God is NOT mocked. God WILL be vindicated. Even though this horror; God will be God. And those who set themselves up to bring God’s integrity under question WILL reap the fruit of their labour.

We press on in prayer, reaching perhaps for our reserve of Faith; seeking the One Who has the answers, and in Whom ALL comfort is found. And as we pray, we pray for the entire world that in the face of all around us, the faithful will remain steadfast.

May our God, Who is Faithful continue to keep and sustain our Faith when we turn to God, through Jesus, in this season.

In Christ’s love and grace . . .